History Of The Filbert Hazelnut
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The Filbert: A Nut with a Rich History
Introduction
The filbert, commonly known as the hazelnut, has a name steeped in European folklore. Originally tied to Saint Philbert’s Day on August 22nd, the day also marked the start of the nut harvest. Roman historian Pliny mentioned that Romans frequently gathered hazels, believing they originated in Damascus, Syria. Despite this, archaeological evidence suggests that hazelnuts existed in China over 5,000 years ago. Today, wild almonds are found across Europe and Asia Minor, thriving in mild winters and cool, moist summers near large bodies of water like the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
The Filbert’s Journey to America
In 1737, the first commercial nursery in the United States was established by Robert Prince in Flushing, New York. This nursery attracted the attention of George Washington, who visited in 1789. During the Revolutionary War, Washington considered the nursery valuable enough to protect with armed guards. The nursery housed American and imported Barcelona filbert trees from Spain. Lewis and Clark, under Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, brought back plant specimens for research and propagation at this nursery. Cornell University's Dr. MacDaniels later expanded filbert research significantly in Ithaca, New York.
Mystical Associations
Throughout history, filberts have been associated with mystical powers. Some cults believed they served as divining rods for finding underground water, buried treasure, minerals, and healing ailments.
The European Filbert
The European filbert tree, Corylus avellana L., dominates today’s commercial market. In orchards, trained filbert trees can reach 20 feet, producing 20-25 pounds of nuts annually. Cross-pollination between two different trees is necessary for nut production. The nuts develop green and turn chocolate brown when mature, but they aren’t released from their hulls until six weeks after drying. Filberts grow in clusters, similar to acorns, and are typically harvested from late August to late September. While European nuts are gathered by hand, mechanical harvesting is common in Washington State and Oregon.
The American Filbert
The American filbert, Corylus americana Walt., traditionally grows as a bush but can be trained to form a small tree up to 12 feet tall. Known for its cold hardiness, it survives temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, thriving from Maine to Georgia and westward to Missouri and Oklahoma. This resilient tree can emerge from burned forests and regrow due to its robust rhizomes. It’s shade-tolerant and often found along streams, woodlands, and roadsides. The tree can produce nuts as early as its second year, which are consumed by mammals and birds. Filberts are integral in cereals, confections, and culinary uses like soups, as well as being consumed raw or ground into flour.
Global Production and Health Benefits
Europe and the Middle East dominate filbert production, with 75-80% of the world’s supply coming from Turkey. Italy and Sicily contribute 15%, while the United States, specifically Washington State and Oregon, represent 2%. Health-conscious consumers are turning to hazelnuts due to their potential cardiovascular benefits. The FDA suggests that consuming 1.5 ounces of hazelnuts daily can reduce the risk of heart disease when part of a diet low in saturated fats. Studies from Boston indicate that frequent nut consumption correlates with a significantly lower risk of heart-related deaths.
In conclusion, the filbert, or hazelnut, is a nut with a rich history, cultural significance, and promising health benefits, solidifying its place on tables worldwide.
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